Deputy Director Public Lands

Position Title:

Deputy Director Public Lands

Job Description:

Incumbent serves as a member of the department’s leadership team with broad responsibilities to managing a complex organization and is instrumental in aligning the department’s strategic direction with City goals. The position leads and coordinates assigned activities across department offices and divisions, other City departments, and external agencies, consultants, and vendors while establishing and maintaining effective relationships throughout the community. Requires advanced knowledge of open space and environmental stewardship standards, and strong leadership skills.

This is an at-will appointed position without tenure, exempt from the career service system.

Please attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position. Early application is encouraged, as this position will close on August 28, 2026.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Drives ongoing department strategic planning activities. Works with and supports internal work teams and external partners to set and accomplish planning objectives. Works closely with division directors to align strategic planning with operating planning.
• The incumbent develops and implements policies and procedures for assigned programs and the department that result in transparency and accountability. Sets service delivery benchmarks, performance metrics, and methodology to evaluate outcomes.
• Designs, implements, and monitors assigned programs including management and oversight of best management practices, environmental stewardship, operating budgets, performance measures, personnel, equipment maintenance, etc. Recommends and initiates process improvements, cost-saving measures, efficiencies and other program changes necessary to enhance operations and meet program goals and objectives.
• Participates in the development of the annual budget document. Monitors and manages department-related budget, resources, and financial transactions. Ensures appropriate processes, procedures, and policies are in place and followed for all financial transactions.
• Analyzes and formulates department policies, goals, and objectives to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Creates strategic plans to support the policies, goals, and objectives of the programs within the department.
• Resolves complex issues involving maintenance operation and environmental stewardship. Ensures that operations and maintenance of programs and resources comply with City, State, and Federal regulations to protect the environment and ensures safe work practices.
• Presents the department’s policies and positions in meetings, negotiations, and communications with the public, community and industry groups, Mayor and City Council members, other government agencies, the media and other public forums within assigned areas of authority.
• Ensures employee productivity and effective use of resources by coaching, mentoring, and training supervisory staff and building an effective team. Evaluates and documents performance of program managers and office staff, administers appropriate and employee rewards and disciplinary actions.
• Plays a key roll in establishing disaster and emergency preparedness programs and ensures department’s safety and emergency programs are effectively implemented
• Represents the department in public meetings and/or on various committees as directed.
•  Supports the City Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry and Trails Advisory Board, and other public advisory boards as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Landscape Architecture Biology, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation, Land Management or  a related field; and eight (8) years progressively responsible work experience in public administration activities and/or related work, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory position.  Six (6) years applicable management experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Experienced in budget preparation and administration, and ability to implement budget requirements into departmental operations.
• Knowledge of materials, techniques, equipment, personnel management, and best management practices associated with the science of developed and non-developed open space land management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and the general public.
• Strong human relations leadership and communication skills.
• Experienced in using computers and software application and applying technology to solve process problems. Experienced in using Word, Excel and Power Point software applications.
• Possession of valid state driver’s license or Utah driving privilege card.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Moderate physical effort. Intermittent standing and uncomfortable working conditions due to climatic elements, noise, heat, dust, and dampness.
• May be required to work irregular hours and be subject to call for emergencies.
• Constant exposure to stress because of human behavior.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$ 130,000/annually  -   $170,000/annually

DEPARTMENT

Public Lands

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40